Breast reconstruction can be pursued for many different medical and personal reasons, ranging from cancer treatments to the desire for restoration after trauma. This surgery can help restore your physical form while also supporting your overall well-being. At Plastic Surgery Specialists of South Florida, we offer breast reconstruction to patients in Hollywood, FL, and the surrounding areas.
We offer a wide range of techniques and options to meet the diverse situations of our patients. Whether you need immediate reconstruction following a mastectomy or a delayed procedure to allow time for personal readiness or additional treatments, we can achieve results that feel natural and comfortable.
What Is Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is the surgical process that restores the breast’s shape and size following a mastectomy, injury, or condition that altered its appearance. Through this procedure, we can reinstate symmetry between the breasts and create a natural shape. We offer both implants and autologous methods, offering the widest range of methods in the area.
Common Reasons for Breast Reconstruction
Post-Mastectomy Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction after mastectomy rebuilds the breast to match its original shape and size or to enhance symmetry following the surgical removal of breast tissue due to cancer or disease. We are experienced in all of the intricacies that come with this process, from working with your oncology surgeon to addressing unique challenges that may come with your case.
Congenital Defects and Asymmetry Correction
Individuals with congenital breast defects or noticeable asymmetry may turn to breast reconstruction surgeons for corrective procedures. These surgeries can improve aesthetic balance and personal comfort through a variety of methods.
Reconstruction After Trauma
For those recovering from traumatic breast injuries, breast reconstruction surgery can help you regain a natural appearance while supporting emotional healing. We cater to each patient’s aesthetic preferences while working to facilitate recovery after accidents or non-cancer related surgical interventions.
Different Types of Reconstruction Methods
Implant-Based Reconstruction
Implant-based reconstruction is a common method for breast reconstruction after mastectomy, where breast implants are used to recreate the breast mound. This approach can be performed in a single stage, where the implant is placed immediately after the mastectomy, or in a staged approach, starting with the placement of a tissue expander to gradually stretch the skin and muscle to accommodate the implant. This surgery can be performed with either silicone or saline implants, depending on the situation.
Autologous (Flap) Reconstruction
Autologous, or flap reconstruction, uses the patient’s own tissue from another part of the body to reconstruct the breast. This method can provide a more natural look and feel than implant-based reconstruction, as it involves transferring skin, fat, and sometimes muscle to create the breast shape. Flap reconstructions are complex and require a skilled surgical team but are often chosen for their durable and natural-looking results. We are experienced in many different methods, including:
- DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator): This procedure uses fat, skin, and blood vessels from the lower abdomen, similar to a tummy tuck, but preserves the abdominal muscles, leading to a quicker recovery and less impact on abdominal strength.
- SIEA (Superficial Inferior Epigastric Artery): Similar to DIEP, the SIEA flap involves using tissue from the abdominal area but uses different blood vessels, avoiding the need to move the muscle at all, which can result in even less impact on abdominal strength.
- TUG (Transverse Upper Gracilis): The TUG technique takes muscle and fat from the upper inner thigh to reconstruct the breast. This option is sometimes preferred for its ability to create a breast from tissue that closely matches the feel of breast tissue.
- SGAP (Superior Gluteal Artery Perforator): This method uses tissue from the upper buttock to reconstruct the breast, preserving muscle and minimizing donor site morbidity. This option is often considered for patients who do not have sufficient abdominal tissue.
- IGAP (Inferior Gluteal Artery Perforator): Similar to SGAP, the IGAP flap also uses tissue from the buttock area but focuses on the lower part of the buttocks. It’s another alternative for patients lacking adequate abdominal tissue for reconstruction.
Combination Surgeries
In reconstructive breast surgery, combination surgeries involve using both implant and autologous tissue techniques to achieve the desired breast shape and volume. This approach allows for the customization of reconstruction to address individual patient needs, optimizing the aesthetic and functional outcomes by leveraging the benefits of both methods.
Preparing for Breast Reconstruction
Preparation for breast reconstruction may include medical evaluations, understanding the different reconstruction methods available, and setting realistic expectations for the outcome. Patients are also advised on how to prepare physically and mentally for surgery, including dietary adjustments, cessation of smoking, and arranging for post-operative support.
What to Expect During Breast Reconstruction
During breast reconstruction surgeries, patients are usually placed under general anesthesia. In a flap reconstruction, your surgeon will then remove tissue from the chosen area. The donor tissue is attached to the breast area, with particular care taken to reattach blood vessels from the donor tissue to the chest tissue. Once the desired shape is achieved, incisions are closed and properly dressed.
Breast Reconstruction Recovery
Recovery from reconstructive breast surgery involves a period of healing and adjustment that can last several weeks. Patients may experience discomfort, swelling, and bruising, for which pain management and care instructions will be provided. It’s important to follow all post-operative guidelines, including restrictions on physical activities and attending follow-up appointments for optimal healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Can Breast Reconstruction Be Performed?
Breast reconstruction can be timed to coincide with the mastectomy procedure, known as immediate reconstruction, in collaboration with the surgical oncologist. This option might be suitable for some patients, offering the benefit of fewer surgeries and a quicker start to the reconstruction process. Reconstruction can also be delayed until after the patient has fully recovered from the mastectomy and any additional treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation, allowing for a separate focus on each phase of treatment and recovery.
Do I Need to Wait Until After Chemo or Radiation Therapy for Breast Reconstruction?
While not always necessary, it may be recommended by breast reconstruction surgeons to wait until after completing chemotherapy or radiation therapy before proceeding with breast reconstruction. Every situation is different, and the timing is always carefully personalized for safety and best results.
Will My Reconstructed Breasts Look and Feel Natural?
Through breast reconstruction surgery, achieving a natural look and feel is a primary goal. Advances in surgical techniques and materials mean reconstructed breasts can closely mimic the appearance and sensation of natural breast tissue but may not be exactly as you remember your original breast tissue. Make sure to discuss your expectations and concerns with your surgeon to understand what might be achieved in your situation.
Can I Have Breast Reconstruction Years After a Mastectomy?
Yes, breast reconstruction surgeries can be successfully performed years after a mastectomy. Many patients opt for reconstruction long after their initial surgery due to personal, medical, or financial reasons. Regardless of the time elapsed, reconstructive options are available to suit individual needs and goals, with a comprehensive evaluation by a reconstructive surgeon to determine the best approach.
Learn More About Breast Reconstruction With a Consultation in Hollywood, FL
At Plastic Surgery Specialists of South Florida, we offer a comprehensive range of breast reconstruction options to meet the diverse needs of our patients in Hollywood, FL. With a focus on achieving natural-looking results, we leverage the latest techniques to reconstruct and restore breast appearance, supporting our patients through every step of their recovery. For more information or to discuss your options, please reach out through our online form or call us at (954) 987-8100.
